The muscles of the back can be divided into three distinct groups - superficial, intermediate, and deep muscles. The superficial back muscles, which lie underneath the skin and the superficial fascia, originate from the vertebral column and attach to the bones of the shoulder, including the clavicle, scapula, and humerus. As such, these muscles are all associated with movements of the upper limb.
The four muscles in this group are the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae, and the rhomboids. Of these, the trapezius and the latissimus dorsi are situated the most superficially, with the trapezius covering the rhomboids and levator scapulae.
The rhomboids comprise two muscles – the rhomboid major and the rhomboid minor.
The superficial back muscles are a critical group of muscles that act as an important link between the vertebral column and the shoulder region, enabling movement and stability of the upper limb and providing support for the arm as it performs its activities. As such, it is important to pay attention to these muscles and their function so that any potential problems can be adequately addressed.
The four muscles in this group - the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae, and the rhomboids - are all associated with movements of the shoulder, and have different attachments and functions. The trapezius, which originates from the skull, ligamentum nuchae, and the spinous processes of C7-T12, attaches to the clavicle, acromion, and the scapula spine. It is innervated by the accessory nerve and receives proprioceptor fibres from C3 and C4 spinal nerves, and its actions include elevating the scapula, retracting the scapula, and rotating it during abduction of the arm.
The latissimus dorsi originates from a broad origin - arising from the spinous processes of T6-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, and the inferior three ribs. It converges into a tendon that attaches to the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus, and is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve. Its actions include extending, adducting, and medially rotating the upper limb.
The levator scapulae originates from the transverse processes of the C1-C4 vertebrae and attaches to the medial border of the scapula. It is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve, and its action is to elevate the scapula.
The last two muscles of the superficial back muscles are the rhomboid major and the rhomboid minor. The rhomboid major originates from the spinous processes of T2-T5 vertebrae and attaches to the medial border of the scapula, between the scapula spine and inferior angle. It is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve, and its actions include retracting and rotating the scapula. The rhomboid minor originates from the spinous processes of C7-T1 vertebrae and attaches to the medial border of the scapula, at the level of the spine of scapula. Like the major, it is also innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve, and performs the same retracting and rotating actions.
In summary, the superficial back muscles are an important group of muscles that are associated with movements of the shoulder. They provide support for the arm and enable movement and stability of the upper limb. It is important to understand their attachments, innervations, and functions in order to identify and address any issues that may arise in the future.
The Back Muscles is a group of muscles that can be divided into superficial and deep layers. The superficial muscles of the back include the Trapezius, Latissimus Dorsi, Levator Scapulae, and the Rhomboids. The Trapezius is a large, flat, and superficial muscle that originates from the occiput and clavicle and insertion at the spine of the scapula and lateral third of the clavicle. Its main function is to move the shoulder blades and uprights the shoulder.
The Latissimus Dorsi is a large and flat muscle that originates from the thoracic vertebra and lumbar vertebra and inserts to the floor of the bicipital groove of the humerus. It mainly functions to adduct, extend, and medially rotate the forearm and retract the scapula. The Levator Scapulae and Rhomboids muscles originate from the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae and inserts at the medial border of the scapula just above the spine of the scapula. Their main function is to retract and rotate the scapular, however they also has a role in postural and respiratory activities. All these muscles are innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve.
These muscles play an important role in stabilizing and moving the trunk and shoulder. In a clinical setting, these muscles can be of importance when examining and treating pain and dysfunction in the back and shoulders. Manual therapies, such as Trigger Point Therapy and Myofascial Release can help to release any underlying tension and tightness in the back muscles and can be beneficial in relieving back pain and dysfunction.
The Back Muscles can also be beneficial in improving posture and performance in athletes. Strengthening and stabilizing these muscles can help to improve joint mobility and stability and reduce the risk of injury. Regular stretching of the back muscles can also help reduce tightness and tension in the tissues.
In conclusion, the Back Muscles is an important group of muscles that plays a role in many everyday activities. It is important to understand these muscles and their functions in order to properly treat any pain and dysfunction in the back and shoulders. Manual therapies and regular stretching can be effective in strengthening and stabilizing these muscles, which in turn can help to improve posture, performance, and reduce the risk of injury.
